What does obsessed mean?
Obsessed describes someone whose attention is overwhelmingly concentrated on a person, idea, activity, or concern. In ordinary use, it may suggest intense enthusiasm: a reader can be obsessed with a mystery novel or a gardener with a rare plant. It can also carry a critical implication, implying that the fixation is excessive, repetitive, or interfering with other responsibilities. The phrase “obsessed with” is the most common construction, while “become obsessed” emphasizes the development of such a fixation. Although “obsessed” sometimes suggests irrationality, it does not necessarily mean that the concern is harmful or delusional; its tone depends strongly on context. It is especially useful when describing strong fascination, emotional attachment, or an inability to think about anything else.
Having an intense, sustained, and sometimes excessive focus on someone or something.
"The researchers became obsessed with a small discrepancy in the records."
Most often used in the construction “obsessed with.” The adjective may describe either strong enthusiasm or an unhealthy preoccupation.
Be continually preoccupied by a particular person, thought, or activity.
"They obsessed over minor details while planning the exhibition."
This is an informal use of the verb in the present tense; it is less common than the adjective and is usually expressed with “with” or “over.”
Obsessed combines the idea of sitting around with an image of being completely taken over by a single thought, passion, or person.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does obsessed come from?
“Obsessed” comes from the English verb “obsess,” which was borrowed from Latin “obsessus,” the past participle of “obsidere.” The Latin verb combined “ob-,” meaning “toward” or “against,” with “sedere,” meaning “to sit,” and originally referred to sitting around, besieging, or persistently occupying someone. In English, “obsess” developed the figurative sense of persistently preoccupying someone’s thoughts. The related forms “obsession” and “obsessive” preserve the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How obsessed is actually used
The word is commonly used with “with” for a person, activity, or subject, and sometimes with “over” in informal American English. It can range from emphatic admiration to criticism of an excessive or irrational fixation.
Easily confused with obsessed
Obsessed describes a person's intense focus, while obsessive more often characterizes a behavior, attitude, or pattern that is excessive or difficult to control.
Obsessed generally suggests an intense interest or fixation, whereas possessed can suggest being under an external influence or control, including a religious or supernatural sense.